i personally think that in all cases, as a productive individual, fleeing a system of plunder accelerates its demise. this is why it was an "iron curtain" though in reality it was a bit leaky. people who were productive and didn't leave were pinned in place by control over their family, classic tyrannical shit like they did to american indian tribes to subdue them.

the people who chose not to leave who would have helped it fall were inured to the subjugation but felt they would lose more by abandoning the people in their circle who were either oblivious, benefiting, or broken down in learned helplessness.

abandoning a social circle with tyrants in it always is better for you, and long term bad for those whose position it propped up, and often misplaced adoration for the ones who refused to fight back in any way at all.

running is a valid move in a fight. never ever let anyone tell you different. all the ones who didn't consider it are dead.